I’ll admit it, I’m a bit of a chicken fry snob. There’s nothing I love more than crispy, juicy fried chicken – but it can be so hard to get right! I’ve tried all sorts of methods and techniques over the years, and I think I’ve finally nailed it. Keep reading to find out how to fry frozen chicken perfectly each time.
Here’s My Foolproof Method For Frying Up The Perfect Frozen Chicken, Every Single Time.
1. Start with a good quality chicken. I like to use bone-in, skin-on thighs for frying – they have the perfect ratio of meat to fat, which means they stay juicy while getting nice and crispy. Avoid lean cuts like chicken breast, as they tend to dry out easily.
2. Make a quick dredge. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of flour with 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and paprika. Place your chicken pieces in the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Any excess flour can be tapped off.
3. Heat your oil. Pour enough vegetable or canola oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet to come up about ½ an inch up the sides. Heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking – you should be able to hold your hand about an inch above the surface of the oil without it feeling too hot.
4. Fry your chicken! Carefully add your chicken pieces to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (this will lower the temperature of the oil and make for less crispy chicken). Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels before serving hot with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.
5 Ways to Make Fried Chicken Even Better
1. Soak the chicken in buttermilk overnight.
This is a crucial step in making fried chicken that is both juicy and flavorful. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat and also gives it a nice flavor. Be sure to soak the chicken for at least 12 hours, and up to 24 hours, for the best results.
2. Season the flour mixture generously.
The flour mixture is what gives the fried chicken it’s a crispy coating, so it’s important to season it generously. I like to add a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to mine. You could also add some cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
3. Use a cast iron skillet.
A cast iron skillet is the best type of pan to use for frying chicken. It heats evenly and retains heat well, so your chicken will stay nice and hot while it cooks. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you could also use a heavy-duty stainless steel pan.
4. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
It’s important not to overcrowd the pan when frying chicken, as this will cause the temperature of the oil to drop too low and the chicken will end up being greasy. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary, and be sure to maintain a consistent oil temperature.
5. Let the fried chicken rest before serving.
Let the cooked fried chicken rest for five to ten minutes before serving. By doing this, the liquids may be distributed more evenly throughout the flesh, making the chicken juicier and more delicious. Serve hot with your preferred sides or dipping sauce.
How To Avoid Overcooking Or Undercooking Your Chicken?
1. Check the internal temperature of the chicken.
The best way to ensure that your chicken is cooked properly is to check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to insert into the thickest part of the chicken breast, making sure not to touch the bone. The internal temperature should be at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Look for signs of doneness.
In addition to checking the internal temperature, there are also some visual cues that will tell you if your chicken is done cooking. The juices should run clear when you cut into the chicken, and the meat should be opaque in color.
3. Avoid overcooking or undercooking your chicken.
Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough, while undercooked chicken can be unsafe to eat. To avoid overcooking or undercooking your chicken, use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, look for signs of doneness such as clear juices and opaque meat before removing it from heat.
4. Let the chicken rest before cutting into it.
Once you’ve removed the chicken from the heat, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, making for juicier and more delicious chicken. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.
5. Enjoy!
Fried chicken is one of my all-time favorite foods. It’s juicy, flavorful, and crispy, and goes great with a variety of dipping sauces or sides. If you’re looking for the perfect fried chicken recipe, look no further! This buttermilk fried chicken is easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.
FAQs: Fry Frozen Chicken
Can you fry chicken from frozen?
Yes, you can fry chicken from frozen. However, the chicken must be completely thawed before frying. If it is not thawed properly, the chicken will not cook evenly and may be slightly raw in the center.
How long does chicken take to fry from frozen?
The answer is that frozen chicken can be cooked. Before frying the chicken, it’s crucial to make sure it has thawed completely. The frozen chicken won’t cook evenly in a pan and can come out quite dry if you try to fry it.
What is the best way to cook frozen chicken?
It usually takes about 20 minutes to fry chicken from frozen, but this may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the temperature of the oil.
Can I cook directly frozen chicken?
Yes. You can cook frozen chicken directly, but it will take a bit longer to cook than if you had thawed it first. Frozen chicken is also likely to be less juicy than fresh or thawed chicken.
Making sure that you give the chicken a few minutes to rest after removing it from the oven is one technique to lessen the drawbacks of cooking frozen chicken. Your chicken will become more soft and juicy as a result of giving the liquids time to evenly spread throughout the flesh.
How do you fry frozen crispy chicken?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the frozen chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Meanwhile, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
How do I store leftover fried chicken?
Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze fried chicken?
For up to two months, fried chicken can be frozen. Remove as much air as you can before closing a freezer-safe container or bag with the chicken inside. Prior to reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
What is the best oil to use for frying chicken?
The best oil to use for frying chicken is a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can cause the chicken to become burnt.
What should I serve with fried chicken?
Fried chicken is traditionally served with sides like mashed potatoes, macaroni, cheese, green beans, or coleslaw. It also goes well with dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
How do I keep fried chicken crispy?
The easiest technique to preserve fried chicken crispy after frying is to allow it to cool on a wire rack. This keeps the chicken from getting soggy by allowing the extra oil to drain off of it.
Can I reheat fried chicken?
Yes, you can reheat the fried chicken. However, it is important to make sure that you reheat it properly so that it does not end up being dry or tough. The best way to reheat fried chicken is in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it or it will become dry.
How does freezing chicken affect frying it?
Freezing chicken before frying it can help to keep it crispier. This is because the ice crystals that form during the freezing act as little knives that cut through the chicken’s cell walls. This makes the chicken more tender and also helps to seal in the juices, leading to a juicier final product.
My Secret to Perfect Fried Chicken
The key to perfect fried chicken is all in the preparation. Be sure to rinse your chicken and pat it dry before frying, and make sure that your oil is at the correct temperature before adding the chicken. These small steps will ensure that your chicken is cooked evenly and comes out juicy and delicious every time!
I’m Rachel, and I love food. I especially love writing about food – reviewing different brands and items, and sharing my thoughts on new frozen foods that hit the market.
Food is a huge part of my life, and I love trying new things. That’s why I’m so excited to be working on my blog Pickfrozenfood.com. I will be always innovating and coming out with new review, and I know that I’ll be able to try lots of great food with them.
